Winter Fitness for Cyclists 

Some weather is not conducive to the activities we love. Winter cycling can prove challenging in Canada, particularly. While it is possible, it is not for everyone.

Cyclists have to get creative in the winter in order to be ready to clip in for spring. Making that smooth transition should be a core goal of your winter training efforts. And some sports and training are better than others. 

Canada is a country meant for winter sports. Cross country skiing is widely regarded as a top sport for building up heart, lung and leg strength.  If CX skiing is a part of a winter training program, then it will be smooth riding in the spring. Skate skiing is also gaining in popularity and according to Active.com, while it is similar to CX skiing, it is more of a skating motion. An additional perk: skate skis do not have to be continually waxed. 

Let us not forget snowshoeing. As skiing’s more laidback cousin, some people are unaware that it is actually a top notch cardiovascular workout that can burn up to 1,000 calories an hour, is a low-impact muscle building activity, and builds endurance, strength and agility. Not to mention that supreme connection to nature. Where snowboarding and skiing can be for adrenaline and the thrill, snowshoeing is for quiet reflection as well as connection to the wilderness and the creatures within it. 

Hiking in the winter? Yes, the addition of a few extra layers and some waterproof boots make long treks into the snowy wilderness possible. Hiking trails will not often be overrun with others as they are in the summer months and a stillness extends across the land. You find animal tracks in the snow and sometimes see the creatures in their winter homes. Hiking in the winter is not only good for cardiovascular and muscular health, but it is good for marveling at the beauty of the natural world, with its soft blanket of snow upon it. 

Gym time is important in the winter months as well. Maintaining that core and stabilizer strength is important for mitigating injury when you start cycling in the spring. However, it is wise to begin with low weight, high reps in order to ease back into weight training and not set yourself up for injury, according to the Active.com article. 

While triathletes have to become comfortable with swimming, many purist cyclists wince at the thought of swimming, according to Active. Still, it is a full-body, cardiovascular-strengthening workout. Pools are in abundance, so excuses should be hard to find. 

Similarly to how cyclists can get in the “zone,” rock climbing encourages complete focus and allows for climbers to get in the flow of movement. While the sports are distinctly different, they do have that in common, not to mention numerous shared health benefits–like building up core muscles. 

What is most important during the winter months is simply to keep moving. Keep exploring and enjoying life. Stay active and be ready to clip in when the snow melts and the birds sing with relief that winter has finally passed and life will once again be filled with warm, sunny days.